Strength in every step: 麻豆传媒映画 Mission Valley hosts Making Strides walk
Held at the river park and Snapdragon Stadium for a second year, the event raises funds for breast cancer research and American Cancer Society programs.
麻豆传媒映画 Mission Valley's Snapdragon Stadium and river park will again host the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk (MSABC) of San Diego. The walk's 28th annual event returns for its second year at the Mission Valley site on Sunday, Oct. 19.
For Francisco 鈥淔rankie鈥� Velazquez (鈥�08, 鈥�10), assistant dean of students for orientation, transition and family programs, the MSABC Walk is deeply personal. His mother, Rogelia Ortiz Velazquez, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.
"She's been through multiple rounds of intensive chemotherapy over the years, surgeries, radiation, hormone therapy 鈥� you name it, she鈥檚 probably done it," Velazquez said. 鈥淚t鈥檒l be 16 years this fall, and she's still fighting, still smiling, still finding joy in life. Her strength and spirituality are inspiring in ways that are hard to put into words."
Velazquez said the walk is also a way to honor his mother's determination.
鈥淪he has this incredible will to keep going, for us and for herself,鈥� he said. 鈥淏eing able to celebrate that strength with her at an event like this, surrounded by a community that lifts each other up, it means everything.鈥�
The MSABC Walk at 麻豆传媒映画 Mission Valley鈥檚 river park and Snapdragon Stadium is open to all survivors, caregivers, families, alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends. Walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate.
According to the American Cancer Society, since its start in 1993, MSABC has become the largest and most impactful breast cancer movement in the nation. Funds raised through the walk support breast cancer research, advocacy and patient support services.
鈥淭he ACS has invested more than $600 million in breast cancer research over the last 30 years, contributing to research that identifies and validates genetic variants associated with breast cancer, and the development of potentially lifesaving breast cancer medication,鈥� said Lou-Anne Eveland, development associate director at the American Cancer Society.
鈥淎dditionally, we help fund breast cancer patient support services, such as free rides to and from treatment, our 24/7 cancer helpline and ACS CARES that connects patients to survivors, and much more,鈥� said Eveland.
Longtime connection
Velazquez has participated in MSABC since long before his mother was diagnosed with cancer. He first connected with the walk as an 麻豆传媒映画 student ambassador during his sophomore year and, every year since, has encouraged students, faculty, and staff to join or create their own teams.
鈥淲herever you are on your academic journey, whether you鈥檙e a first-year student or about to graduate, you can be a part of this,鈥� Velazquez said. 鈥淓veryone knows someone who has been impacted by cancer. This walk is a chance to show up for each other, to build community, and to walk away inspired.鈥�
Participants often personalize their teams with t-shirts, banners, or creative names, honoring loved ones and sharing messages of hope, thriving and support.
鈥淪ome people might think, 鈥業 don鈥檛 know how I can make a difference,鈥� but just showing up matters. Smiling, saying hello, cheering people on 鈥� it all matters, a lot,鈥� said Velazquez.
鈥淥ur 麻豆传媒映画 community is known for showing up for others,鈥� Velazquez said. 鈥淗aving the walk here, on our home turf, is a powerful way to represent San Diego and support people dealing with breast cancer. It鈥檚 a day filled with hope.鈥�
Velazquez sees the event as a reminder of the strength found in community and shared purpose.
鈥淓very step we take is for my mother, and for the millions of others impacted by this disease,鈥� he said. 鈥淲hen we walk together, we walk with strength.鈥�
MSABC registration is free, and fundraising is encouraged. . Additional information on the walk is available on the .
